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In a significant move aimed at keeping families together, President Joe Biden has announced a new executive action to protect undocumented spouses of American citizens from deportation. The policy, which was unveiled on Tuesday, is expected to bring relief to approximately 500,000 immigrants and is being framed as a crucial step in immigration reform during an election year.
The White House described the initiative as a "new action to keep families together," emphasizing the administration's commitment to humane and sensible immigration policies. This announcement comes after significant advocacy from immigration groups and Democratic lawmakers and as President Biden seeks to strengthen support among Latino voters in key battleground states.
The policy brings relief to noncitizens who have been in the United States for at least ten years and are married to a U.S. citizen, along with their children. They can now apply for permanent residence without having to leave the country. Biden hailed these new measures as a "commonsense fix" to what he described as a "cumbersome, risky and separates families" immigration system.
"This is the biggest thing since DACA," an immigration advocate familiar with the policy stated. The Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, introduced by President Barack Obama in 2012, permitted immigrants who entered the U.S. as children to remain in the country.
The new policy is set to take effect this summer and is designed to help those who are "paying taxes and contributing to our country," according to Biden. The White House highlighted that the undocumented spouses eligible for this policy have been in the U.S. for an average of 23 years, contributing significantly to the economy. Additionally, some undocumented immigrants will find it easier to obtain a green card and a path to U.S. citizenship, and work permits will be granted on a case-by-case basis. The policy also includes provisions to expedite work visas for DACA recipients with higher education degrees seeking employment in their field.
The policy has sparked a predictable response from Republican leaders. Former President Donald Trump, speaking at a campaign rally in Wisconsin, condemned the executive action, vowing to revoke it immediately if re-elected. "Under this program, a deluge of illegals will be given immediate green cards and put on the fast track to rapid citizenship so they can vote," Trump declared, although the White House estimates the policy will affect about 500,000 spouses and 50,000 children.
House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., also criticized the move, calling it "granting amnesty to hundreds of thousands of illegal aliens" and warning that it would "incentivize more illegal immigration and endanger Americans."
The policy is expected to face legal challenges. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin, D-Ill., chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, noted the likelihood of lawsuits but stressed the importance of bipartisan support for a permanent solution. "Passing legislation would be the only action that will fully allow these deserving individuals to put down roots, start families, further their education, and continue contributing to our society without fear of deportation," Durbin said, though he acknowledged the difficulty of passing such a bill given Republican opposition.
As the debate over immigration reform continues, President Biden's new policy represents a significant step in addressing the complexities and challenges faced by undocumented immigrants married to U.S. citizens. The coming months will reveal the policy's impact and the extent of its legal and political battles.
